Everton have reached a verbal agreement to sign Dutch defender Kenny Tete on a free transfer as per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
The 29-year-old is on course to sign a three-year contract until June 2028 with the final formalities expected to be completed next week once his current deal with Fulham expires on June 30.
The move addresses a critical need for Everton following the confirmed departure of Ashley Young and the uncertain future of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman, whose contract is set to expire.
With Coleman battling recurring injuries, and no clear successor established, securing a new right-back was high on Everton’s summer agenda.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Everton have reached verbal agreement to sign Kenny Tete as free agent, three year deal in place.
Contract until June 2028 and formal steps to follow next week.
Here we go, soon. ✅ pic.twitter.com/oqPGK0r346
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2025
Tete, a former Ajax academy graduate, joined Fulham from Lyon and made 121 appearances in his four-year stay – registering four goals and ten assists – alongside becoming a regular in the Netherlands national team.
His experience in top-flight football and ability to play both in a back four or as a wing-back will add balance to a depleted defensive unit.
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David Moyes, who returned to Everton earlier this year, relied on makeshift solutions in the right-back position in the 2024/25 campaign.
Jake O’Brien, a natural center-back, was frequently deployed out wide which showed lack of depth, as Coleman battled injuries.
Why Everton wants Kenny Tete?
Tete is seen as a cost-effective addition as Everton face an extensive summer rebuild and with over a dozen players out of contract or returning from loan, leaving gaps across multiple positions.
While concerns remain over Tete’s injury record – as he’s only once played more than 30 games in a season – but the club is confident his tactical awareness and discipline will strengthen their defensive core.
